Titles may be “overrated”, but they’re often sought after nonetheless, even among the church.

When it came to identification, there were several influential titles Paul could have used to introduce himself; such as “Roman citizen” (a coveted status), “former student of Gamaliel” (who was widely respected), or “former Pharisee” (denoting his intellect). However, Paul (the empowered messenger of God) chose to refer to himself as “bondservant”. In modern church life, the term “bondservant of Christ” has become poetic and spiritual, but in the context of Paul’s day, it described a low-class servant who had limited privileges. In his letter to Rome, he starts this way:

“Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God.” – Romans 1:1 NKJV

Today, temptations regarding status and titles abound, but we’re called to be something very specific; and that word is “Christian”. The term “Christian” originally wasn’t socially acceptable or broad in its application. It was a term of mockery, meaning “little-Christ”; and to be a “little-Christ” means “acting like Jesus”. Here’s the way Paul framed it:

“Let this mind be in you which was in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God…made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant…” – Phil. 2:5-7 NKJV

What title will you be seeking today?